Plato's Closet Celebrates the Spirit of Earth Day Every Day

MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwired - Apr 3, 2013) - Each year, Earth Day, coming up on April 22, 2013, focuses attention on the fact that recycling simply makes sense environmentally. Americans alone threw away more than 13.1 million tons of textiles in 2010, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -- including items that could have been donated to charities or recycled into wiping and polishing cloths, paper, car insulation and even building materials.

At Plato's Closet, clothing recycling also makes sense financially. Renae Gaudette, director of Plato's Closet, says that the resale stores' franchise owners put the principles of Earth Day to work every day by buying gently-used, current style clothing and accessories and re-selling it to teen and twenty-something guys and girls who are looking for style, quality and today's fashion trends at up to 70% off original retail prices.

"We thought that Earth Day was a perfect time to remind fashion lovers that they can 'live green,' look great and have fun too," said Gaudette. "At Plato's Closet, teens and twenty-somethings can bring in clothes they no longer wear to sell, and then walk out with hot fashions that look expensive but totally fit their budget. It's a win/win approach for their wallets and the environment, too."

The earth-friendly numbers posted by Plato's Closet stores nationwide in 2012 demonstrate that the brand's approach is resonating with young fashion trend setters. Altogether, Plato's Closet stores bought nearly 50.4 million items from customers last year, making those items available to new shoppers and putting about $160 million back into the pockets of the sellers.

"We're proud of those numbers and we think they give a whole new meaning to the idea of 'living green,'" says Gaudette. "At Plato's Closet, you can support a green lifestyle and end up with more green in your wallet, too."

Plato's Closet® Plato's Closet® leads the nation in the buying and selling of name brand, gently used apparel & accessories for teens and twenty-somethings. There are over 350 franchised stores in the United States and Canada. We focus on the latest styles and hottest brands all in great condition. Plato's Closet is franchised by Winmark Corporation, which also franchises Play It Again Sports®, Once Upon a Child®, and Music Go Round®. For more information visit www.platoscloset.com.

Winmark Corporation Winmark Corporation, based in Minneapolis, creates, supports and finances business. Specializing in leasing and developing franchises for retail stores that buy, sell, and trade new and used merchandise, it is the parent company of Play It Again Sports®, Once Upon A Child®, Plato's Closet®, Music Go Round®, Style Encore™, Wirth Business Credit®, Winmark Capital® and www.WBSOnline.com. Winmark has more than 965 franchise territories and is publicly traded at (NASDAQ: WINA). For more information visit www.winmarkcorporation.com.